Key Concepts in Evolution and Classification

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to evolution and classification in biological sciences.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Microevolution

Evolution on its smallest scale; change in gene pool.

Macroevolution

Evolution on a larger scale; entire species evolving.

Mutation

The ultimate source of evolution; change in genes leading to a change in organism; how new adaptations arise.

Population

Organisms of a particular species in a given area able to interbreed.

Relative fitness

Comparing reproductive success of an organism; more offspring that survive to reproduction and pass on genes means higher relative fitness than one that does not contribute to the gene pool.

Natural selection

Mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Adaptive radiation

Single ancestral species diversifies into a multitude of new forms to fill vacant ecological niches.

Gradualism

Evolution occurs through a slow, steady, and continuous accumulation of small genetic or morphological changes over long periods.

Punctuated Equilibrium

Evolutionary theory proposing that species experience long periods of stability with little change, punctuated by rare, rapid bursts of significant change and speciation.

Sympatric speciation

Speciation occurring in the same area; usually due to polyploidy.

Allopatric speciation

Geographic isolation leading to speciation.

Homology

Similar characteristics between species due to common ancestry.

Homeotic Genes

Master control genes that determine an organism's body plan.

Bioremediation

Eco-friendly, cost-effective waste management system using prokaryotic organisms to clean up contaminants in soil or water.

Radial Symmetry

Parts are repeated around a central axis, allowing to be divided into identical halves through multiple planes.

Bilateral Symmetry

Able to divide into equal parts on one plane.

Endoderm

Inner layer of gastrula becomes the digestive tract.

Ectoderm

Outer layer of gastrula becomes the nervous system and skin.

Ectotherm

Unable to maintain body temperature; must absorb heat.

Endotherm

Able to maintain body temperature homeostasis.

Monotreme

Mammal that lays eggs; includes echidna and platypus.

Marsupial

Mammal whose young are born not completely developed and need to attach to the nipple in a pouch to finish development; includes possums and kangaroos.

Mammal

Animals that produce milk through mammary glands and have hair.

Amphibian

Ectothermic; use moist skin to supplement gas exchange; external fertilization in water; includes salamanders and frogs.

Anthropoids

High primates such as apes and humans.